This Week at Phipps: July 3 – 9

By Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

There's always something new to see and do at Phipps! This weekly blog post provides a run-down of the latest happenings so you can plan your visit. Events listed below require no advance registration unless noted otherwise. 

Open Daily: 

• NOW OPEN: Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter
  This spectacular new show will feature brilliant horticultural displays and breathtaking fashion designs inspired by Billy Porter's local roots and iconic array of accomplishments as an award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright.
• Top it Off: Area Schools Create Sustainable Fashions
  Area middle and high school students were challenged to create their own fabulous, wearable hats made from repurposed materials as part of the Fairchild Challenge. They were encouraged to let their interests and aesthetics inspire them to create a hat that makes a statement. 
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden's Native Plants 
  Currently on display at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park, plant lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of plants growing at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden's Native Plants is part of the Flora Project, a collaboration between Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden's Botanical Art and Illustration Program and the Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society.
• Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ‘Aina
  Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ‘Aina invites guests to take an exciting, immersive journey through the rich history, nature and culture of the Hawaiian archipelago. 
• Planets Earth Virtual Exhibit
  A dynamic exhibit at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (and now online) addresses the pressing environmental issues of our time and proposes a new way of thinking about how to solve them.

Wed., July 5: 

• ​In-Person Story Time | 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  Kids will love visiting Phipps to listen to our storyteller weave tales about gardens, fruits, vegetables, animals and other fun topics. Attend weekly sessions with a special child in your life!

Thurs., July 6: 

• Virtual Biophilia: The Upside of Darkness | 6 p.m.
  Join us to learn about the similarities between astronomy and planet ecosystems. People focus on getting enough light for their plants but rarely consider the converse. Learn the adverse effects of too much light at night and examples of proper lighting to maintain healthy plants.
• Exploring Soil Life | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  There’s a lot more going on below ground than you think. Take a closer look by sampling soil at Phipps and extracting the organisms that are hiding below our feet. From mites, to springtails, to pseudoscorpions, there are a lot of fascinating little creatures to appreciate!

Fri., July 7: 

• Brunch for All: Strawberry Stuffed French Toast | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
   Learn the secrets to getting the perfect texture from your pain perdu (lost bread), whip up an incredible strawberry and cream filling, and learn some simple fruit carving techniques to make strawberry garnishes to finish your plate.

Sat., July 8:

• Tropical Forest Hawai'i Festival | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
  Join us for a full day of exciting activities for all ages at our Tropical Forest Hawai‘i Festival, featuring entertainment, activities and more inspired by one of the world's most botanically and culturally rich forest regions.

Photo ©  Paul Vladuchick